She thinks I am probably a Lupie too

[JazzGirl]

Hi All:

I had my first rheumatology appointment yesterday. She looked at my positive ANA numbers and read my history / symptoms. I typed it up ahead of time as some of you suggested style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Thanx.gif. She then examined me and drew some more blood. Then without my mother or I having to say the words to her she said "So we obviously need to figure out whether or not you have lupus".

I think that I thought that hearing those words come out of a doctors mouth would make me feel relieved. Instead I cried. I cried because I have been sick since I was a teenager and no one ever knew why. I cried because the last year and 1/2 have been a nightmare. I cried because someone finally seems to be putting the puzzle that has been my life together.

There was one thing that she did say that concerned me. She said that she was not sure that the fatigue was due to the Lupus. How can that be? I don't understand?

I go back in ten days and she says that if any of the other tests are positive she will dx me with Lupus. She also said that she may dx me with it even if they are not. And that either way plaquenil will probably be my first step.

So all in all I would say that it was a good first visit. But, I still have a few concerns because of the fatigue comment... Would you? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ermm.gif

Much Love,
Liza

[Joandublin]

Hi Liza style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

Well it sounds like that was a very positive appointment and at long last someone is trying to put the pieces together for you style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

About the fatigue question....fatigue can be caused by other conditions as well such as under-active thyroid, low B12 levels and fibromyalgia (all of which I have by the way style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif ). I have been suffering terrible fatigue over the past few months and my rheumy is convinced this is being caused by the fibromyalgia at the moment rather than the Lupus.

Did she do any 'pressure point' tests for fibromyalgia? I am sure she will probably check your Thyroid levels and B12 levels too as it is quite common for people with Lupus to have other overalapping conditions.

Anyway these are just my suggestions.....I guess the only real way of finding out would be to ask her style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hehe.gif

The very best of luck with your test results and let us know how you get on

Luv n stuff
Joan style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[Jen79]

I am glad that your first rhemy visit went well. Maybe you well finally get some answers to all your problems and get on the right meds so you can start feeling better. I am not sure what she meant by the fatique thing but that can go along with Lupus and other diseases as well. I hope you start feeling better.

Jen style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif

[halfpintfl]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wavey.gif Hi Lisa, a big congrat's on the good vibes at your first appt.
That went better that a lot of first appt's that I have read about. I
am very happy for you, and it sounds like you are off to a good start,
at least she didn't look at you like you had rocks in your head!!!!!
You have already found out that the small comment of fatigue, can come
from a lot of other diseases, so I would say please don't waist time worring
about it. The way to look at it is; at least she knows that it is also one
of your big symptoms, and that is good. It will be good also if she puts
you on Plaquinel, but lets just bask in the moment for right now. You
had a wonderful first appt, with good results, and we are all so very happy
for you. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif


be well and keep posting. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/goodvibes.gif

[lisade]

Hi,
I am glad your appointment went well. It sounds like this rheumy may be on the right track with you. Good luck.

My thoughts are with you.